repaired · 2025 Q3
Sensing system: camera
Risk. A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
2021 Nissan SentraProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 133 owner complaints about the 2021 Nissan Sentra, most often about the forward collision avoidance. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-581 the manufacturer reports only 68% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 23, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Nissan Sentra has problems
133 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
40Forward collision avoidance3 crash/fire/injury
40Steering11 crash/fire/injury
38Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
24Service brakes7 crash/fire/injury
7Engine
6Vehicle speed control
6Suspension
6Exterior lighting
5Wheels
199 other systems3 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Forward collision avoidance | 40 | 3 |
| Steering | 40 | 11 |
| Electrical system | 38 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 24 | 7 |
| Engine | 7 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 6 | 1 |
| Suspension | 6 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 6 | 0 |
| Wheels | 5 | 1 |
| 9 other systems | 19 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2021 Nissan Sentra recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Linkages: tie rod assembly
Risk. A bent tie rod can break and cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q4
Linkages: tie rod assembly
Risk. A bent tie rod can break, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Nissan.
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other Sentra year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Sentra median. How we score
1136636374139636258991171411085859171236304180197170116154167551441421806383813522702311852232081338120413220
'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2021 Nissan Sentra safety ratings
2021 Nissan Sentra 4 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 5 stars (9.9% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Standard
In owners' words
What Sentra owners report
Recent forward collision avoidance complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while her son was driving at approximately 30-35 MPH, a yellow triangle warning light illuminated, and the vehicle independently applied the brakes forcefully and made a sharp left turn. The vehicle then rolled over twice and landed…
I purchased this vehicle brand new in 2021. Since then, I have experienced a very concerning safety issue on multiple occasions involving the automatic emergency braking system. While driving normally, with the vehicle operating without any apparent problems, the emergency braking system has…
My 2021 Nissan Sentra has experienced multiple false Automatic Emergency Braking (phantom braking) events where the vehicle suddenly applies the brakes despite there being no vehicle, pedestrian, or obstacle in its path. This issue occurred before and after my vehicle was serviced by AutoNation…
Own a 2021 Sentra?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.